Precedents
Goal setting: Setting S.M.A.R.T. Goals
Part of reflective practice involves setting goals and working towards them. Write them down and make them S.M.A.R.T. Write Them Down Take time at the start of the year and on a regular basis to take a break from your daily grind to write down your goals. Taking the time to write down your goals… Read More »
Categories: Firm Management, Legal Careers, PrecedentsSample Associate Agreement
This sample associate agreement contains terms of a typical employment relationship between a law firm and an associate. Having a written agreement can help make sure that the rights and obligations of both parties are discussed and agreed upon at the start if the relationship. This can help avoid problems later. This document is a… Read More »
Categories: PrecedentsModel Electronic Document Handling Policy
This model policy is a supplement to LAWPRO Magazine: Cybercrime and law firms, published December 2013. This policy should be adapted to meet the specific requirements and technology in your firm. This policy addresses the best practices for the handling, delivery, and exchange of electronic documents. While the main areas of concern are with sending… Read More »
Categories: Legal Technology, PrecedentsBackup Best Practices and Strategies
Securing and protecting your firm’s data is essential. Client files, important communications, and valuable work product often exist exclusively in digital format today, and thus a major loss could have catastrophic professional and ethical ramifications. Whether you’re revisiting an existing backup strategy or implementing one for the first time, these best practices and strategies (in… Read More »
Categories: PrecedentsLaw Firm Business Plan Precedent
If you want to be successful, you should consider how your law firm will operate well before you open your doors. A business plan is your roadmap to the future – you can show it to banks, suppliers or others whom you deal with when starting your practice. A business plan tells them that you… Read More »
Categories: Finances, PrecedentsLaw Firm Budget Precedent
Budgeting and managing your cash flows are a big part of staying in business. It is an old adage that what gets measured gets done: if you have set out straightforward financial goals and expectations that are to be met within a reasonable timeline, you will be able to judge if you are meeting, exceeding… Read More »
Categories: Finances, PrecedentsModel Technology Usage Policy
This model policy is a supplement to LAWPRO Magazine: Cybercrime and law firms, published December 2013. This Technology Usage Policy precedent discusses the appropriate use of computing and information resources. 1. Computer Security Users must not share their accounts or passwords with others, and are only authorized to use their own accounts to access… Read More »
Categories: Legal Technology, PrecedentsPost-Matter Client Service Survey Precedent
A post-matter client survey is one of the best ways to collect information about what clients think about the services you provide to them. Make sure your survey is structured to help you identify specific areas for improvement. Ideally, it should include some open-ended questions. For major or top-billing clients, consider sending a managing partner… Read More »
Categories: PrecedentsRetainers and Non-engagement letters
Model retainers and agreements are provided by LAWPRO for your consideration and use when you draft your own documents. They are not meant to be used “as is”. Their suitability will depend upon a number of factors, such as the current state of the law and practice in each area of law, your writing style,… Read More »
Categories: Civil Litigation, Precedents